- September 13, 2025
Ekadashi is one of the most sacred fasting days observed by Hindus. Occurring twice every lunar month—on the 11th day of the waxing (Shukla Paksha) and waning (Krishna Paksha) moon—Ekadashi is considered highly auspicious for spiritual growth, self-purification, and devotion to Lord Vishnu. There are 26 Ekadashis in a year, each with its own unique story, significance, and benefits.
Observing Ekadashi is believed to wash away sins, grant liberation (Moksha), and bring prosperity. This article presents a detailed, evergreen guide to all 26 Ekadashis, their stories, fasting rules, and spiritual benefits.
| Ekadashi Name | Paksha (Fortnight) | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Putrada Ekadashi | Shukla (Pausha) | Blesses devotees with children and family happiness |
| 2. Shattila Ekadashi | Krishna (Magha) | Importance of donating sesame seeds for purification |
| 3. Jaya Ekadashi | Shukla (Magha) | Destroys sins and grants liberation |
| 4. Vijaya Ekadashi | Krishna (Phalguna) | Grants victory in endeavors |
| 5. Amalaki Ekadashi | Shukla (Phalguna) | Worship of Amla tree, devotion to Vishnu |
| 6. Papamochani Ekadashi | Krishna (Chaitra) | Removes accumulated sins |
| 7. Kamada Ekadashi | Shukla (Chaitra) | Fulfills desires, removes curses |
| 8. Varuthini Ekadashi | Krishna (Vaishakha) | Protection from misfortune |
| 9. Mohini Ekadashi | Shukla (Vaishakha) | Named after Mohini avatar of Vishnu, removes delusion |
| 10. Apara Ekadashi | Krishna (Jyeshtha) | Grants great merit, removes grave sins |
| 11. Nirjala Ekadashi | Shukla (Jyeshtha) | Waterless fast, gives benefits of all Ekadashis |
| 12. Yogini Ekadashi | Krishna (Ashadha) | Removes diseases, ensures health |
| 13. Devshayani Ekadashi | Shukla (Ashadha) | Vishnu goes to cosmic sleep (Chaturmas begins) |
| 14. Kamika Ekadashi | Krishna (Shravana) | Destroys past sins |
| 15. Putrada Ekadashi | Shukla (Shravana) | Blesses childless couples |
| 16. Aja Ekadashi | Krishna (Bhadrapada) | Removes sins of many births |
| 17. Parivartini Ekadashi | Shukla (Bhadrapada) | Vishnu turns in his sleep, grants moksha |
| 18. Indira Ekadashi | Krishna (Ashwin) | Liberates ancestors from suffering |
| 19. Papankusha Ekadashi | Shukla (Ashwin) | Removes sins, grants heaven |
| 20. Rama Ekadashi | Krishna (Kartik) | Pleasing to Rama, grants liberation |
| 21. Devutthana Ekadashi | Shukla (Kartik) | Vishnu wakes from sleep, auspicious beginnings |
| 22. Utpanna Ekadashi | Krishna (Margashirsha) | Birth of Ekadashi Devi |
| 23. Mokshada Ekadashi | Shukla (Margashirsha) | Grants liberation to ancestors |
| 24. Saphala Ekadashi | Krishna (Pausha) | Ensures success in endeavors |
| 25. Shattila Ekadashi | Krishna (Magha) | (Repeated annually) Purifies with sesame donations |
| 26. Vaikunta Ekadashi | Shukla (Dhanur Masa) | Gate to Vaikunta opens, grants moksha |
King Suketuman and Queen Shaibya were childless and grief-stricken. By observing this vrat with devotion, they were blessed with a son. This Ekadashi is considered highly beneficial for those seeking children and happiness in family life.
Once, a pious but miserly woman never donated food or sesame seeds. Lord Vishnu appeared in disguise and requested sesame seeds, teaching that giving til on this day purifies body and soul.
A cursed Gandharva couple took birth as demons. By fasting on Jaya Ekadashi, they were liberated from their curse and attained their original celestial forms. This Ekadashi frees devotees from grave sins.
Before crossing the ocean to Lanka, Lord Rama observed this Ekadashi. With its merit, he gained strength and victory over Ravana.
This Ekadashi involves worshipping the sacred Amla tree. A king who observed this vrat attained liberation, and all his subjects were freed from sins.
A sage named Medhavi was cursed by a celestial maiden. By observing Papamochani Ekadashi, he was freed from the curse and regained his spiritual merit.
A Gandharva cursed to be a demon was redeemed when his wife observed this Ekadashi with devotion. This vrat fulfills desires and removes curses.
King Mandhata observed this fast and was protected from great misfortune. This day shields devotees from calamities.
Associated with the Mohini avatar of Vishnu, this day removes delusion and bestows clarity. It is said to help devotees overcome attachment and illusion.
This Ekadashi grants great merit equivalent to performing Ashwamedha Yajna. It washes away even the gravest sins.
Bhima, unable to fast on other Ekadashis due to hunger, was advised by sage Vyasa to observe this single day without water. It grants the merit of all 24 Ekadashis combined.
A gardener cursed with leprosy was cured after observing Yogini Ekadashi. This vrat is known to remove diseases and grant health.
On this day, Lord Vishnu goes into cosmic sleep (Yoga Nidra) for four months. Devotees start Chaturmas vrat from this day.
This day is known for destroying sins of the past. Worshipping Tulsi plant and Lord Vishnu is considered highly auspicious.
Similar to Pausha Putrada, this day blesses couples with children. Childless couples observe this vrat for progeny.
King Harishchandra regained his lost kingdom and son by observing Aja Ekadashi. It is said to remove sins of many births.
Lord Vishnu turns to his other side while resting during Chaturmas. This day is auspicious for seeking moksha.
A Brahmin named Indrasena freed his father from Yama’s abode by observing this vrat. It helps ancestors attain liberation.
This day destroys all sins and assures a place in Vaikuntha for the devotee.
This day is especially dear to Lord Rama. Observing this fast removes negative karma and grants liberation.
Lord Vishnu wakes from cosmic sleep. This day is celebrated with Tulsi Vivah and marks the start of auspicious rituals like marriages.
Ekadashi Devi was born on this day from Lord Vishnu to destroy the demon Mura. Observing this vrat protects devotees from enemies.
A king was able to liberate his father from hell after observing this vrat. This Ekadashi grants moksha to ancestors.
A prince who was banished from his kingdom regained his throne after observing this Ekadashi. It brings success in life.
Repeats each year, emphasizing the importance of charity and til daan.
Considered the most important Ekadashi, devotees pass through the Vaikuntha Dwaram (symbolic gate to heaven). Observing this vrat ensures liberation.
Ekadashi is a divine opportunity to purify the body, mind, and soul while deepening devotion to Lord Vishnu. Observing all 26 Ekadashis in a year is considered equivalent to performing great yajnas (sacrifices) and ensures spiritual upliftment. Share this article with your family and friends so they too can benefit from the sacred practice of Ekadashi fasting.
